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Reviewing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2015 draft picks after year one

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With their rookie seasons in the books, let’s take a look back and see how each of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2015 draft choices fared last season, then look ahead to what the future might hold for them.

First-round, third overall: DE Dante Fowler, Jr.

Sadly, Dante Fowler’s rookie year was cut short before he could even get on the field, as he tore his ACL in his first practice session. In spite of the injury, the Jaguars signed him to the richest deal they could under the CBA’s rookie contract rules, showing their support for and belief in the young pass-rusher. All signs indicate that Fowler will be back this year to start terrorizing opposing quarterbacks the way Jacksonville hopes he can.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back TJ Yeldon in training camp. Photo by: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports.

Second-round, 36th overall: RB TJ Yeldon

TJ Yeldon was able to take over an underwhelming backfield and provide solid production. He was limited to 12 games by injuries, but still led the team with 740 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes for another 279 yards and a score. He struggled somewhat in pass blocking, however, so he’ll have to improve in that aspect if he wants to become a true all-around running back. Still, he should no doubt be the starter in Jacksonville going forward.

Third-round, 67th overall: G AJ Cann

AJ Cann started the season as a backup, but quickly broke into the starting lineup when Brandon Linder went down in week three. Cann started all of the team’s remaining games and performed adequately. He needs to improve his run blocking ability especially, but overall the team should be happy with the way he played. Cann and Linder can be expected compete for the starting job at right guard this offseason.

Fourth-round, 104th overall: S James Sample

In four games last season, James Sample was able to rack up 15 total tackles and a pass defensed. His season ended prematurely, however, when he was placed on IR after week four due to a multitude of lingering injuries he was dealing with. He performed adequately in the playing time he was given, and should push for a backup/special teams role in Jacksonville’s defensive backfield next year.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver Rashad Greene. Photo by: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports.

Fifth-round, 139th overall: WR Rashad Greene

Despite not starting a game, Rashad Greene was still able to contribute last year for the Jags. He only appeared in nine games, catching 19 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns, but he also returned 18 punts. His impressive 16.7 yards per return average (albeit from a small sample size) led the league. While his contributions aren’t huge, if he continues to display the ability to return punts and make a few plays as a fourth or fifth receiver, he could beat out any contenders for his roster spot.

Sixth-round, 180th overall: DT Michael Bennett

Because he was the fourth man in Jacsonville’s DT rotation and played only 310 snaps, Michael Bennett notched just 10 tackles and half a sack last season. Despite coming into the draft with a second round grade from many draft analysts, Bennett struggled to make much impact. Hopefully during this offseason and into next year he’ll be able to flash some of the skills that caused many scouts to think so highly of him, or his tenure in Jacksonville might not last much longer.

Seventh-round, 220th overall: WR Neal Sterling

After spending the first six weeks of last season on the Jaguars’ practice squad, Neal Sterling was able to break onto the main roster. He appeared in nine games, but only on special teams, making one tackle. Sterling has decent size for a receiver, which may make him a candidate for the practice squad again this season if Jacksonville doesn’t find another young receiver to replace him.

Seventh-round, 229th overall: TE Ben Koyack

Ben Koyack spent the entirety of the 2015 season on the practice squad. He might have an outside shot to make the roster this season if both Marcedes Lewis and Clay Harbor leave the team in free agency, but chances are at least one of them comes back. Koyack has good size and blocking skills and can contribute some in the short passing game, but he’ll be fighting an uphill battle to get a chance to show off those skills next season in Jacksonville.

The post Reviewing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2015 draft picks after year one appeared first on isportsweb.


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